President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D., announced that Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B., will be the commencement speaker during Saint Anselm College’s 133rd Commencement Exercises held on the College Quad in front of Alumni Hall on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m.
Fr. Leahy has served as the Headmaster of Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, N.J., since 1972. He has been the inspirational champion of generations of young men seeking to grow spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. In addition to delivering the commencement address, Fr. Leahy will also receive an honorary degree alongside alumni Jeffery T. Burke '69 and Lisa Kennedy‐Sheldon ’78 – will receive honorary degrees.
Jeffery T. Burke ’69
An active and enthusiastic supporter of the college. Few alumni have given back to Saint Anselm College with the depth, consistency, and heart that Burke has shown over many decades.
Lisa Kennedy‐Sheldon,Ph.D., ANP-BC, AOCNP, FAAN ’78
Globally recognized oncology nurse practitioner, educator, author, and advocate. The first Chief Clinical Officer of the Oncology Nursing Society, Kennedy-Sheldon has led clinical and educational initiatives in countries such as Cambodia, Bangladesh, Oman, Brazil, and Honduras.
“We are so pleased to be able to honor these three worthy individuals, each of whom have lived lives of personal and professional integrity, and whose achievements in service to others embody the Catholic and Benedictine mission and values of Saint Anselm College,” said Dr. Favazza.
On Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m., the class of 2026 will be conferred their diplomas during the ceremony, while graduates of the criminal justice, public policy, and special education master’s degrees will receive hoods prior to commencement. Family and friends are welcome to attend the 2026 Commencement Exercises, which also will be livestreamed. For more information, go to anselm.edu/commencement.
The Honorary Degree Nominating Committee includes: Vice President of Academics Sheila Liotta, chair; Academic Dean Mark Cronin; Library Director John Dillon; Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer Jim Flanagan; Professor Kelly Lalonde; Vice President of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Public Relations Paul Pronovost; and Professor and Director of the Center for Ethics in Society Marc Rugani.